Easy and Flavorful Brown Lentil Soup

🌟 Warm up your day with a taste of Cyprus! This Hearty and Flavorful Brown Lentil Soup is a true comfort food classic. Made with simple ingredients and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, it’s the perfect meal for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings. 🌿

Just simmer lentils, tomatoes, onions, carrots, and garlic with herbs and spices until tender. Finish with a splash of vinegar for a tangy kick! Serve with crusty bread and a squeeze of fresh lemon for the ultimate dining experience. 😋

Ingredients for Brown Lentil Soup

• 2 and 1/2 cups brown lentils
• 4 cups of vegetable broth or water
• 4 vine tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 2 medium onions, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced/shredded
• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• 1-3 tablespoons vinegar (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for serving

Cooking Instructions

• Rinse Lentils: Start by rinsing the brown lentils under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve to remove any dirt or debris. Drain and set aside.
• Prepare Tomatoes: Score the bottom of each tomato with a shallow X-shaped cut. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the tomatoes for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool. Once cooled, peel off the skins, chop the tomatoes, and set aside.
• Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive or avocado oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add Vegetables and Lentils: Add diced carrots and chopped tomatoes to the pot, along with the rinsed lentils. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
• Season: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
• Add Liquid: Pour the water or vegetable broth into the pot to cover the ingredients by about 2 inches. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If desired, add vinegar gradually, tasting after each addition, until you reach your desired level of acidity.
• Serve: Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaves and ladle it into bowls. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Crusty Bread or Pitta Bread
• Greek Salad
• Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt on top of each bowl adds a creamy contrast to the lentil soup. Plus, it’s a traditional accompaniment in Mediterranean cuisine that enhances the overall taste experience.
• Lemon Wedges
• Feta Cheese: Crumble some feta cheese on top of the brown lentil soup just before serving for an extra layer of richness and saltiness.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish each bowl of soup with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint for a burst of freshness and color. Herbs not only add visual appeal but also elevate the flavor profile of the dish ⇓

The Art of Pairing Fresh Herbs with Dishes

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Cool Completely: Allow the leftover brown lentil soup to cool completely at room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can lead to bacterial growth.
• Store Properly: Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze for Longer Storage: If you don’t plan to consume the lentil soup within a few days, you can freeze it for longer storage. Ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. Seal tightly, label with the date, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Thaw Safely: When ready to enjoy the frozen soup, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw the soup more quickly by placing the sealed container in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
• Reheat Gently: To reheat the lentil soup, transfer it to a pot and place it over medium heat on the stove. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through heating.
• Adjust Consistency: As the soup reheats, you may notice that it has thickened or absorbed more liquid. If desired, you can add a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency to your liking.
• Enjoy: Once the soup is heated through, ladle it into bowls and serve hot with your favorite accompaniments. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavor.

By following these storage and reheating tips, you can safely enjoy your brown lentil soup even days after it’s been initially cooked.

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